Our volunteers are really something special. And every organization has some of them that are particularly amazing. Giselle is one of those. She is involved in so many areas, but her expertise in mapping our toadlet counts has been extremely beneficial for our data gathering. For this and many other reasons, she was one of our 2023 High Knoll Award winners!
Volunteer Profile : Giselle
“Whether I’m volunteering or visiting, I always leave Minnekhada feeling recharged. The variety of activities and sights make it a joy to visit year-round and I always discover something new.”
How long have you been involved with Minnekhada Regional Park and why did you decide to volunteer?
I’ve been involved with MPA since 2021. I initially decided to volunteer to gain some hands-on experience in a field I was interested in pursuing a career in. After my first few bat counts, I was hooked. I continue to volunteer as it provides me with an immense sense of purpose, being able to give back to my community and get outside in nature.
In what activities are you involved? How did you get started?
I have participated in bat counts, western toad & coastal painted turtle monitoring, invasive species removal and fire replanting. I’ve loved helping with and learning about a wide variety of species and projects. I’ve also been able to put my GIS (mapping) skills to use to analyse and visualise the data we’ve collected in the field. It’s so special to see how things change over the seasons and years, such as bat numbers or watching the vegetation we planted post-fire, regrow. Having that deeper understanding has created a deeper connection and appreciation for Minnekhada.
What is your favourite thing / hike / location in the park?
I love walking the trails along the marsh. I’m a avid birder, so enjoy seeing what waterfowl are around each day. Spotting amphibians, reptiles, beavers or bears are also an added bonus.
In your opinion, what makes Minnekhada special?
In a place so close to the busy rhythm of the city, standing on the marsh trail with the mountains surrounding me, I feel a sense of peace and protection. It’s always been my go-to place for a quick evening walk or a bird-watch and contributes immensely to my mental and physical health. Some of my most special memories include watching a Sandhill Crane pair build their nest in the lower marsh and listening to the Swainson’s Thrushes sing their evening song as I wait for the bats to emerge.
What is your advice to people who are not aware of the Park OR not aware of the activities we have here?
If you have never been to the park, I would highly recommend visiting. There is something for everyone. Plenty of flora and fauna to spot, trails to hike, history to learn and ways to make a positive impact.